Roger Ibanez believes Roma ‘patience’ paid off with the late comeback to hold Milan 2-2. ‘We know that set plays are our main strength, the chances will come.’
This was a show of real determination from a dismal situation at San Siro, as the Giallorossi were 2-0 down to a Pierre Kalulu diving header and Tommaso Pobega counter-attack on Rafael Leao’s assist.
It was known that Roma would cause problems from set plays, and that paid off with two free headers from Lorenzo Pellegrini efforts, one from Ibanez and the other by Nemanja Matic parried into the path of Tammy Abraham.
“We did what we worked on in training, we keep saying it’s important to be patient in games, as the chances will come and we must never give up,” Ibanez told DAZN.
“We know that set plays are our main strength, so when the ball is put in there, we have to go forward in numbers and be ready. The game isn’t over until the referee blows the whistle.”
Considering the impact of their final flurry, should Roma not have tried a little earlier to attack with that kind of intensity?
“Milan are strong with the ball at their feet, but the result was in our favour, as an away point is very important to keep us on track for our objectives.
“It was a bit difficult for us and we didn’t find the spaces in the first half, but after the break we had more of the ball and were able to get into more dangerous situations to press them. In the end, we got the goals on two dead-ball situations.”
Jose Mourinho’s side rarely have more possession than the opponents, even in winning situations. Is that a choice?
“I don’t know, every game is different and there are some situations where it is trickier for us to keep the ball.”
The last-gasp equaliser also allowed England international Abraham to end his goal drought.
“Abraham is a lovely guy, we all needed patience and the goal would come.”
This result means Roma remain level on points with their city rivals Lazio, who in turn fumbled a 2-0 lead today for their 2-2 draw with Empoli.